Your questions about the first electric sports car, answered.
From commonly used terms, to the best ways to charge, learn more about what it could be like to own an electric car with a sports car soul.
Frequently asked questions
What do common electric vehicle terms mean?
- BEV: Battery electric vehicle.
- Kilowatt (kW): The unit of measure for power level. In BEV terms, it is the level of power at which your vehicle can charge.
- Volt: The electrical potential or performance of the electrical system, which ultimately influences the charging speed. Like water running through a hose, the higher the volts the greater the pressure, the faster the charge.
- Ampere or Amp: The unit of electrical current, meaning how much energy travels through a circuit. To continue the water analogy, if volts are the pressure, amps are the actual amount.
- Amp x Volts = Power 40 amps x 240 volts = 9,600 watts or 9.6kW
- State of Charge (SoC): The term used to show how charged the battery is in percent.
- ICE – Internal Combustion Engine
What is the difference between AC and DC charging?
Alternating Current Charging (AC Charging) Also known as Level 1 or Level 2 charging, AC charging is what is available in your home. AC power levels range from 1kW to 9.6kW using the standard plug-in options.
Direct Current Charging (DC Charging) DC Charging, often called Fast Charging High-Performance Charging (HPC) or level 3 charging is primarily used at public charging stations and has power levels ranging from 24kW to 350kW. The Porsche Taycan can accept as much as 270kW.
How do I charge?
At Home
Wherever you park at home, you simply plug the vehicle in with the charger that comes with every Taycan. To fully utilize the charger that comes standard with the Taycan, a 240V outlet is highly recommended. The vehicle also comes with a 120V adapter that allows the vehicle to charge on a normal household plug. However, due to slower charging speeds (~3 days for a full charge) it is not recommend for normal use, but it comes in handy in situations where a 240v outlet is hard to find.
On The Road
Porsche through its partnership with Electrify America, provides Taycan owners with access to a growing number of charging stations. Additionally, every new Taycan purchased comes with unlimited, 30-minute charging sessions for 3 years at all Electrify America stations. The Porsche Charging Planner can also help to map out charging station stops along your desired route. Additional charging station providers are available in certain parts of the country and typically require the use of an app, RFID card, or credit card for payment.
TAYCAN CHARGING
How long does charging take?
It can depend on a few factors like ambient temperature, battery temperature, and the vehicles state of charge (SoC).
A Taycan can charge 75% (5%-80%) of the battery in 22.5 minutes with a 350kw charger. A 50kw charger will offer a slower charging time of closer to an hour.
TAYCAN CHARGING
How does the driving experience differ between EVs and ICEs?
In the Taycan, the dynamics and handling allow for a genuine sports car driving experience. The low center of gravity from battery placement. The instant torque. And even the sound. Though EVs are typically quieter than ICE vehicles, they can still be heard. The Taycan offers an optional Porsche Electric Sport Sound that when engaged amplifies the natural electric motor sound and adds a visceral note when accelerating.
Do I need to charge every day?
You can, but you don’t have to. Depending on use, miles driven, and how frequently you choose to charge it. It can be plugged in overnight, every night, so that the battery has a full state of charge every morning. Or, it can be plugged in when it reaches a lower state of charge. For the ideal charge, 85% is best for normal daily use. If you need to go further, you can charge to the full 100%.
How does the tax incentive work?
At a glance, the Taycan qualifies for the full $7,500 Federal Tax credit. Vehicles acquired for personal use need to complete FORM 8936. For more information, visit: www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxevb
Also, many states offer tax credits for expenditures such as electric vehicle purchase, and installation of an EV charging station or plug. For more information, visit: www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/state
Is it more cost effective to own and operate an electric vehicle?
The yearly costs of owning an EV can be significantly less costly than the operating costs of a combustion engine. Check out the stats below.
Gasoline
- Average cost of Premium gasoline (4.8.2021) is $3.47 (https://gasprices.aaa.com)
- Average fuel economy is 24.9 miles/gallon (https://www.epa.gov/automotive-trends/highlights-automotive-trends-report)
- That means for 10,000 miles the average vehicle would need 401 gallons.
- At $3.47/gallon that is $1,391 for those 10,000 miles.
Electricity
- Cost of residential electricity varies widely in the US but the average in January 2021 was $0.1269 per kWh (https://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/epm_table_grapher.php?t=epmt_5_6_a)
- The EPA range for the Taycan 4S is 227 miles with the optional Performance Battery Plus.
- For 10,000 miles you would need to charge the Taycan 4S approximately 44 times.
- 44 x ~80kWh = 3520 kWh needed, at $0.1269 is a cost of $446.69 for 10,000 miles
Is it sustainable?
The factory in which the Taycan is made, the materials used, the battery recycling and zero CO2 emissions from the vehicle contribute to a more sustainable future.
